Liberal senator warns AI policy could harm artists and forests

The Guardian reported that Liberal senator Andrew McLachlan urged the Labor government to weigh AI’s impact on artists and the environment. The South Australian backbencher said he chooses “real forests over virtual ones” and warned that artists’ copyright must not be “sacrificed” for investment.

McLachlan criticised both his party’s and the Labor government’s approach to AI, saying new datacentres should not be prioritised above environmental concerns. He added that Labor’s proposed AI policy suite – which includes changes to copyright law, provisions for datacentres, online safety, energy resources and economic benefits – could face constitutional challenges over whether weakening copyright amounts to an illegal acquisition of property.

The senator’s comments come as the government reviews a range of AI‑related measures, sparking debate over the balance between technological development, cultural protection and ecological stewardship.

Why it matters

The debate could shape how AI development affects artists’ rights and environmental policy, and may involve constitutional questions about property rights.

Key details

Location

United Kingdom · Europe

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

15 Nov 2026, 00:30 IST

Key names

AI, Labor, Outspoken Liberal, Andrew McLachlan

Section

Technology

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The GuardianArt ‘must not be sacrificed on the altar of corporate profit’ Liberal senator says as AI policy debate rages 15 Nov, 00:30

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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